Project W’s Post

A question asked in *every* newborn class at Birth Roots Center for Community Supported Parenting this month: How do I politely tell my family I don't want my newborn to be passed around at our holiday gathering? There are many good ideas being shared: - wear your baby in a carrier the whole time; - tell everyone that your pediatrician threatened you; - simply say, "my baby bites!" There are lots of laughs in the discussion. But the undercurrent is one of legitimate stress. New moms, dads, and parents are excited to share their newborn with their family, but they also carry the very real fear of their newborn contracting RSV, Flu, and Covid in these winter months. [a fever in a newborn requires a trip to the ER and a spinal tap] If you'll be attending an event this Dec with a newborn, maybe reach out and ask what the parent is most comfortable with, and then offer to run interference for them. This simple act can feel enormously supportive to someone navigating early parenthood. It is a #communitysupported approach to tending to a newborn's physical health, and a parent's mental health.

Being a first-time mother can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Here are some tips to help you along the way: 1. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Don't hesitate to reach out to other mothers, family members, or professionals for support and advice. Joining a new mothers' group or attending workshops can also be incredibly beneficial. 2. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞: It's essential to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. 3. 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟: Take advantage of workshops and expert consultations to educate yourself about childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care. Knowledge is empowering and can help alleviate fears and uncertainties. 4. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐬: As a mother, you know your child best. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help when needed. 5. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Having a strong support system can make all the difference in your journey as a new mother. Want more tips and support for your journey as a first-time mother? Visit buff.ly/3Vmy4d2 to learn about our workshops, expert consultations, and community support programs designed specifically for new mothers like you.

Being a Health psychologist it comes to us naturally to take a Bio-psycho-social approach in order to address any issue, be it physical or mental. Who knew that Something as essential as breastfeeding could have psychological benefits too, for both, mother and the child. This breastfeeding awareness week, let’s understand the delima and challenges of a mother. Let’s support and be aware as a community that small acts like breastfeeding the baby in the early months, contributes manifolds to a holistically healthy population of the future 🌻 #worldhealthorganization #breastfeedingawareness #healthpsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingmatters

Nurturing Minds and Hearts: As we celebrate #WorldBreastfeedingWeek, let's recognize the profound impact of breastfeeding on a mother's mental health. From reducing stress to promoting emotional well-being, breastfeeding empowers mothers on their beautiful journey of motherhood. 🌈🤱 #breastfeedingbenefits #empoweringmothers #maternalmentalhealth #healthymother #vanithaclinic #wolrdbreastfeedingweek

How do you make breastfeeding at work, work for you? This week is #worldbreastfeedingweek, with this year's theme all about improving attitudes to breastfeeding in the workplace, whether that's promoting and raising awareness or learning how to better support your employees who may need to feed or express during work hours. Check out our quick guide below 👇

Breastfeeding, a natural and beautiful bond between mother and child, is more than just a means of nourishment. It lays the foundation for a healthy start in life, fostering emotional and physical well-being for both infants and mothers. However, for many working parents, balancing the demands of their careers with the desire to breastfeed can be challenging. For working parents, returning to the workforce after the birth of a child is a reality they must face. However, this transition can be made significantly more manageable with the support of breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. One of the primary challenges faced by working mothers is finding a suitable space and time to express breast milk during work hours. This can be particularly daunting in environments where breastfeeding is not adequately accommodated. Additionally, a lack of flexible working hours or paid parental leave can make it difficult for working parents to maintain a breastfeeding routine, leading to early weaning and potential health implications for both mother and child. Balancing the needs of their child and career responsibilities can create immense stress for working parents, affecting their overall well-being. Let make it work. Employers, family, partners, policy-makers and colleagues at work should help make breastfeeding and work compatible. #Letmakebreastfeedingwork #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingawareness

Environmental conditions shape how children develop, which shapes their lifelong physical and mental health. In our latest working paper, we dive into how one environmental condition – extreme heat – affects development in pregnancy and early childhood. 📚 To learn more and find actionable solutions for improving children’s developmental environments, read the paper here: https://bit.ly/47qwzgf

These are some of the main ideas I got after reading “Place Matters” working paper. I absolutely recommend you to read it! - The conditions of the physical environment significantly influence child health and development, with more positive influences supporting healthy development and more negative influences increasing disease and impairment. - Positive influences in the physical environment include access to nutritious food, clean air and water, safe green spaces, and toxin-free homes. - Negative influences encompass pollution, extreme temperatures, lack of green spaces, high crime rates, and inadequate access to healthy food. - The unequal distribution of resources and environmental conditions exacerbates health disparities, especially in marginalized communities.

We launched our parent and baby exercise classes with a few goals in mind, one goal being: to forge a welcoming community where new parents can find both friendship and support. Our mission goes beyond fitness; we’re creating a safe space for open conversations about the real challenges of becoming a parent. Together, we’re tackling the isolation and stress that can come with this life-changing event, ensuring no one has to face it alone. The need for such a community is underscored by stark realities. In the UK, up to 1 in 5 women experience mood or anxiety disorders during or after pregnancy. But it’s not just women who are affected; around 1 in 10 new fathers also struggle with postnatal depression. These statistics highlight the urgent need for support systems that cater to both mothers and fathers. By sharing stories and providing a listening ear, our classes aim to offer a beacon of hope and solidarity. We’re here to say to every parent, “We see you and you’re not alone.” Let’s raise awareness and break down the barriers together. Muscle Mind Wellness #ParentingTogether #SupportForAll #YouAreNotAlone #CommunityStrength